The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has called for transparent, inclusive and open congresses as the party prepares for its ward, local government and state congresses.
The state chairman of the party, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, made the call on Friday during a meeting of the APC State Executive Committee, which was attended by party chairmen and secretaries from the 16 local government areas of the state.
The meeting was convened to review the tenure of the outgoing executives and to fine-tune preparations for the forthcoming APC congresses in Kwara State.
Fagbemi stressed that every party member interested in contesting must be allowed to do so without hindrance, insisting that fairness, openness and strict adherence to the party’s constitution must guide the process.
Commending party leaders at all levels, the APC chairman described their relationship as one anchored on unity and progress, despite occasional disagreements.
“Politics is about interests, and it is normal to have different interests,” Fagbemi said, warning that disagreements should not be allowed to weaken party cohesion.
With the tenure of the current executives nearing its end, he thanked party members for their cooperation and contributions, noting that the APC had recorded notable achievements, including recent electoral victories in the state.
“Some of us might never have met without this executive bond. I appreciate everyone and apologise on behalf of all where we might have wronged one another. I seek forgiveness,” he said.
“Some of us may not return after the congresses, but we must part on good terms.”
Describing the forthcoming APC congresses as a test of character, integrity and respect for party rules, Fagbemi said the leadership had consistently operated within the provisions of the party’s constitution.
He reaffirmed the congress timetable, announcing that ward congresses will hold on February 18, local government congresses on February 21, while the state congress is scheduled for March 4, ahead of the APC national convention.
The party chairman reiterated that no caucuses should be formed and no stakeholder excluded from the process, adding that all relevant information must be made available to interested members.
“Everyone who desires to contest should be allowed to do so,” he said, emphasising that inclusiveness remains key to sustaining unity within the party.
Fagbemi also paid tribute to APC executives at all levels, particularly local government executives, whom he described as the backbone of the party due to their closeness to the grassroots, despite what he termed unwarranted criticisms.
He further urged party leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state, noting that the APC membership e-registration exercise would soon come to an end.
